Tag: Ben Hess

Yankees MILB 9/16: Strong Effort by Ben Hess

Notes:

Trade analysis links:
Jose Caballero/Camilo Doval (link)
David Bednar/Jake Bird (link)
Ryan McMahon (link)
Amed Rosario (link)
Austin Slater (link)

Updated look at the trade deadline.

My thoughts on Core Jackson.

Arizona Fall League Players

The Single-A All-Star teams were announced today (no game is played). Two Tampa Tarpons made the list: OF Marshall Toole and RHP Chris Veach.

I highlighted Toole throughout the season. He hit .305/.406/.479 (148 wRC+) with 14 doubles, 13 triples, five home runs, 48 RBI, and 66 runs scored over 372 plate appearances. He was also a terror on the basepaths, stealing 44 bases in 50 attempts. He was a 15th-round pick in the 2024 draft out of Wofford. As you probably suspect, Wofford isn’t a haven for future MLB players. Shortstop Don Buddin compiled a 711-game career that spanned stops in Boston, Houston, and Detroit. His best attribute was drawing walks (14.8%; .358 OBP). On the hill, RHP John Boozer compiled a 171-game career for the Phillies. He saved 15 games while flashing a 4.09 ERA over 394.1 innings.

Veach pitched in 43 games for the Tarpons. In 57 innings, he had a 2.53 ERA (3.53 FIP) with a 30.5% K and 11.8% BB. He was signed as an undrafted free agent out of South Carolina in 2024.

Neither is in the organizational Top 30 (Pipeline). Keep proving the “experts” wrong, kids!

Injury Log

Scranton (84-58; 46-24 in second half) (Defeated Buffalo, 3-1)

Syracuse leads Lehigh Valley, 4-3, in the 8th. A win keeps them three back with five to play. A loss pushes them four games back.

2B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-4, SB (12), BB
C J.C. Escarra: 1-for-4, SB (1), CS (1), HBP, 2 K
LF Jose Rojas: 0-for-5, 2 K
CF Spencer Jones: 0-for-3, BB, 3 K
Jones’ 10-game hitting streak is snapped (he extends his on-base streak to 18)
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-4, HR (16), RBI, R, K
It looked like Rumfield was going to shatter his best home run mark (17 in 2023). However, this is his first home run since August 17th (23 straight games without a home run).
DH Brennen Davis: 0-for-4, 3 K
3B Jeimer Candelario: 1-for-4, 2B (16), R, 3 K
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 2-for-2, RBI, R, 2 BB
   PR-RF Duke Ellis: 0-for-0, SB (34)
SS Braden Shewmake: 3-for-4, 2B (11), RBI, 2 SB (15)
Shewmake will spend the entire 2025 campaign on the 40-man roster (if they release him tomorrow, my apologies to his family).

RHP Allan Winans: (W, 12-1)  6 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 6 K
1.63 ERA (99.1 IP, 75 H, 21 R, 18 ER, 4 HR, 27 BB, 105 K). Winans didn’t show much in his cups of coffee with the Yankees, but he has been a key cog in the Scranton rotation.
RHP Yerry De los Santos: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
LHP Jayvien Sandridge: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
LHP Brent Headrick: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Jake Bird: (S, 1) 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Since I am looking for silver linings, Bird recorded a strikeout with two outs and the bases loaded in the 8th. He followed that up with an easy 9th to secure the win.

Somerset (Lost to Binghamton, 3-1, in Game 1 of a 3-game series. They will try to extend their season on Thursday night, as the series shifts to Binghamton for the final two games. I don’t know who will start, but Carlos Lagrange will be rested.)

CF Brendan Jones: 2-for-3, 2B (1), R, BB, K
Jones continues to do leadoff-hitter things. 
SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-4, SB (1), K
Anyone disappointed in the 20-year-old’s Double-A performance should be reminded that his wRC+ was 111. The Eastern League is not a fun place for hitters. A .215/.337/.358 triple slash is more impressive than you think, especially for a 20-year-old trying the level for the first time.
RF Jace Avina: 0-for-4
3B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-4, RBI
The Eastern League’s RBI champion knocks in Somerset’s only run tonight.
1B Tyler Hardman: 1-for-4
RF Garrett Martin: 0-for-4, 3 K
DH Jackson Castillo: 2-for-4
Castillo picked up the pace late in the season. Good to see it continue tonight.
C Manuel Palencia: 1-for-4
Palencia grinded out a 10-pitch AB with two outs in the bottom of the 9th, but it resulted in an out.
2B Jake Gatewood: 0-for-2, BB

RHP Ben Hess: (L, 0-1)  5 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
A solid effort by Hess, who threw 103.1 innings in the regular season (3.22 ERA (2.50 FIP); 33.0% K, 10.9% BB, 41.3% GB). 
RHP Huey Morrill: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
Morrill was activated off the Development List today, while LHP Will Brian was placed on the list. Your reminder that Morrill pitched to a 0.76 ERA in 47.2 regular-season innings and is heading off to the Arizona Fall League.
RHP Indigo Diaz: 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Baron Stuart: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, HR
RHP Danny Watson: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Watson’s solid second-half pitching (2.23 ERA in 32.1 IP with an incredible 30/1 K/BB) continues into the playoffs.

Hudson Valley (79-50; 41-24 second half) 

Their season is over.

Tampa (63-63; 27-34 in the second half)

Their season is over.

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (24-32)

Their season is over.

DSL Bombers (31-25)

Their season is over.

Yankees MILB 9/10: Ben Hess Tosses 6 Strong Innings

Notes:

Trade analysis links:
Jose Caballero/Camilo Doval (link)
David Bednar/Jake Bird (link)
Ryan McMahon (link)
Amed Rosario (link)
Austin Slater (link)

Updated look at the trade deadline.

My thoughts on Core Jackson.

The Arizona Fall League rosters were released today.

Yankees on the list:

RHP Bryce Cunningham – The highest-ranked Yankees’ prospect on his way to Arizona is Cunningham, who pitched to a 2.82 ERA in 54.1 innings with a 55/19 K/BB. We will see him in Somerset in 2026.

RHP Cade Smith – Like Cunningham, Smith (ranked 19th), needs innings due to missing time to injury. He pitched only 39.2 innings this season, compiling a 2.50 ERA and 42/18 K/BB.

RHP Brady Kirtner – The 23-year-old pitched in 35 games between Tampa and Hudson Valley, compiling a 2.70 ERA and 52/21 K/BB over 46.2 innings in his first professional campaign. Why is he going to Arizona?  Likely a combination of missing some time in July/August and the Yankees liking something in his profile.

RHP Huey Morrill – Morrill, recently placed on the Development List, was dominant this season. pitching to a 0.76 ERA in 47.2 innings with only 18 hits allowed. Additionally, he struck out 42 while walking 17.  This could be a “Rule 5 Evaluation” move as he is eligible this winter.

RHP Adam Stone – If your first reaction is “Who?”, I understand. The 24-year-old hasn’t pitched since compiling a 7.20 ERA in 20 innings during his debut 2023 campaign. This is likely a situation where the planets lined up perfectly – he’s finally healthy just in time to go to Arizona.

1B/OF Coby Morales – Entering tonight, Morales has 468 plate appearances, so this isn’t a situation where he is making up for lost time. He is also not Rule 5 eligible (2026). So, why him? Perhaps they want him to do some defensive work, or they are tweaking his swing. Alternatively, it is also possible that they had a spot open and decided to go with Morales to fill out the roster.

C/1B Manuel Palencia – The Rule 5 eligible catcher is hitting .272/.322/.349 in 256 plate appearances between Hudson Valley and Somerset.

UTIL Enmanuel Tejeda – Only 20, Tejeda’s 2024 and 2025 campaigns were shortened by injury. He is going to make up for lost time in Arizona. In 35 games for Tampa, he walked more than he struck out (17.4%/13.4%) while stealing 14 bases in 19 attempts. Tejeda no longer plays shortstop, though he may do that in Arizona.

Injury Log

Scranton (81-56; 43-22 in second half) (Lost to Lehigh Valley, 4-1)

Lehigh Valley is now 5.5 games back.  Scranton needs to win a game or two this week to keep them at bay. Syracuse lost to remain three games out.

2B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-4
C J.C. Escarra: 1-for-4, HR (2), RBI, R, 2 K
Escarra’s homer in the 9th allows them to avoid the shutout.
CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-4, K
Jones now has a 6-game hitting streak (6-for-23).
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-4
RF Jose Rojas: 0-for-4, K
DH Brennen Davis: 0-for-3, 2 K
A 4-for-26 slump has dropped his triple slash to .282/.342/.680. You may be curious what it was before the slump: .325/.384/.831. That pace wasn’t going to last forever.
3B Jeimer Candelario: 1-for-3, K
SS Andrew Velazquez: 0-for-3, K
LF Duke Ellis: 0-for-3, K

RHP Allan Winans (L, 11-1): 5.2 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 4 K, HR
Winans comes close to finishing off a perfect season, but it wasn’t meant to be.
RHP Scott Effross: 0.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Yerry De los Santos: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Harrison Cohen: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
1.73 ERA (26 IP, 12 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 0 HR, 13 BB, 27 K). Cohen loves to use his cutter and is getting results. He is Rule 5 eligible this winter, so we’ll see how much the Yankees value him.
RHP Ian Hamilton: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Somerset (71-63; 36-29 in the second half) (Lost to Reading, 5-3, in ten innings. The Patriots blew a chance to clinch a playoff berth, as they owned a 3-1 lead in the bottom of the 9th. That said, Hartford lost, and the magic number is 1 with four games to play.)

CF Brandon Jones: 1-for-4, 2 R, BB, 2 K
Between Somerset and Hudson Valley, Jones has scored 86 runs, walked 80 times, and stolen 45 bases in 53 attempts. He’s doing “leadoff guy” things – at least in the minors.
SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-5, R, CS (4), 2 K
LF Jace Avina: 2-for-4, BB, K
Avina has back-to-back multi-hit efforts.
3B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-5, RBI, K
Jasso ties Ryan Clifford (NYM) for the Eastern League lead in RBI (75). He can pass him this week, as Clifford is in Triple-A now. The other player in the RBI title mix (Jorge Burgos (CLE)) has been out of action since August 10th. He drove home 73 runs in 98 games.
   PR-2B Duncan Pastore: 0-for-0
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-3, RBI, 2 BB, K
DH Jackson Castillo: 0-for-5, K
RF Garrett Martin: 2-for-4, 2B (13), BB
2B-3B Jake Gatewood: 0-for-4, K
C Diomedes Hernandez: 1-for-4, 2 K

RHP Ben Hess: 6 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 6 K
Since promotion: 2.70 ERA (36.2 IP, 22 H, 13 R, 11 ER, 1 HR, 13 BB, 45 K). Hess finishes the regular season with a 3.22 ERA in 103.1 innings (65 H, 43 R, 37 ER, 3 HR, 46 BB, 139 K). Impressive.
RHP Danny Watson: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
4.91 ERA (55 IP, 59 H, 31 R, 30 ER, 6 HR, 8 BB, 56 K). The road to getting his ERA under 5.00 has been a long one, as Watson owned a 16.71 ERA in April (7 innings).
RHP Carson Coleman: 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Kelly Austin: (L, 3-2)  0 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, HR

Hudson Valley (79-50; 41-24 second half) 

Their season is over.

Tampa (63-63; 27-34 in the second half)

Their season is over.

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (24-32)

Their season is over.

DSL Bombers (31-25)

Their season is over.

Yankees MILB 9/4: George Lombard Jr. Homers

Notes:

Trade analysis links:
Jose Caballero/Camilo Doval (link)
David Bednar/Jake Bird (link)
Ryan McMahon (link)
Amed Rosario (link)
Austin Slater (link)

My thoughts on Core Jackson.

Nothing to report.

Injury Log

Scranton (80-52; 42-18 in second half) (Defeated Worcester, 6-2)

Syracuse’s game against Buffalo was postponed (they will try to play two tomorrow), so Scranton increases its lead to 4.5 games. Teams trying to hang in there include Toledo, Indianapolis, and Lehigh Valley. Scranton owns a solid lead over Lehigh Valley, but they do play a 6-game series next week. The season ends on September 21.

DH Austin Slater: 0-for-2, R, BB
   PH-DH Duke Ellis: 0-for-1, SF, RBI
2B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-4, CS (9), BB
Vivas is on a 5-game hitting streak and has hit safely in ten of his last 11 games. He’s hitting .274/.400/.361 at this level.
RF Brennen Davis: 1-for-4, K
  LF Ismael Munguia: 0-for-1, K
CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-4, 2B (11), R, 3 K
Some may think I focus too much on the strikeouts. I do it for a reason: You aren’t surviving in MLB with these strikeout rates. If this insane surge is due to his back injury, that can explain it. But that happened over a month ago. If his back is still hurting, why is he playing at all?  Hence, I assume he is healthy and pitchers have adjusted to him. 
LF-RF Bryan De La Cruz: 2-for-3, RBI, 2 R, BB
1B Jose Rojas: 2-for-4, RBI, R, SB (12)
3B Jeimer Candelario: 0-for-4, K
C Omar Martinez: 0-for-3, R, BB, 2 K
SS Andrew Velazquez: 2-for-4, 2B (18), 2 RBI, K

RHP Allan Winans: 3.2 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 5 K, HR
RHP Bailey Dees: (W, 2-0)  0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
LHP Brent Headrick: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Headrick begins his rehab stint. Since he has options, they could leave him here once the stint is over.
RHP Yerry De los Santos: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Ian Hamilton: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Joel Kuhnel (S, 6): 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K

Somerset (67-62; 32-28 in second half) (Defeated New Hampshire, 4-1, in a rain-shortened contest)

Hartford (1.5 games back) and Portland (2.5 games back) both won.

Somerset’s season ends on September 14th.

DH Brendan Jones: 0-for-2, R, SB (18), BB, K
Yankees’ minor league stolen base leaders: Marshall Toole: 43; Brendan Jones: 41; Juan Matheus: 40.
SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-3, HR (8), RBI, R, K
Lombard Jr. hit one home run for Hudson Valley, so he is within one of a double-digit campaign. He has also drawn 80 walks between the two levels (20.7% BB in Hudson Valley; 13.4% here). Don’t worry that the rate is lower – it is still solid, and that is expected.
CF Jace Avina: 0-for-1, BB
3B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-2, RBI, K
LF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-2, R
RF Garrett Martin: 1-for-2, 3B (2), RBI
1B Coby Morales: 0-for-2
2B Jake Gatewood: 2-for-2, 2 2B (12), R
C Diomedes Hernandez: 1-for-2, RBI, K
The rarely-used Hernandez is 3-for-16 in six games. The 20-year-old has spent most of the season on the Development list.

RHP Ben Hess: 5 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 7 K
Since promotion: 2.93 ERA (30.2 IP, 19 H, 12 R, 10 ER, 1 HR, 11 BB, 39 K). He is up to 97.1 innings in his debut campaign (133/44 K/BB). Yeah, if he stays healthy, a 2026 debut is within range. 

Hudson Valley (77-49; 39-23 second half) (Defeated Greensboro, 10-0, in a rain-shortened game.)

As a reminder, Hudson Valley has to win the final three games in this series to win the second-half title.

3B Juan Matheus: 3-for-4, SF, 2 RBI
Matheus has a 5-game hitting streak (9-for-19).  He has nine 3+ hit efforts this season (three with Hudson Valley). I don’t have illusions of greatness, but he could be a legitimate utility prospect. Let’s see how he handles the upper minors.
CF Dillon Lewis: 1-for-5, RBI
SS Core Jackson: 1-for-5, 2B (7), R, 2 K
DH Kaeden Kent: 2-for-5, RBI, R
1B Josh Moylan: 3-for-5, 2 2B (21), 2 R, K
Moylan’s experienced bat is helping a roster that is young/inexperienced. He has five multi-hit efforts in his last eight games.
RF Camden Troyer: 0-for-2, RBI, 2 R, 2 BB
2B Connor McGinnis: 2-for-4, 2 RBI, 2 R
McGinnis owns a 6-game hitting streak.
C John Cristino: 0-for-1, 2 R, 2 HBP, BB
LF Luis Durango: 1-for-3, RBI, BB, K

LHP Xavier Rivas: 5.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 10 K
Since promotion: 1.23 ERA (29.1 IP, 9 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 14 BB, 44 K). Rivas has four 10+ strikeout efforts this season, including three at this level (8/15, 8/22, 9/4). Between here, Tampa, and the FCL, he owns a 113/50 K/BB over 85.1 innings. The walks are high, but one should be intrigued by his ability to miss bats.
RHP Jack Cebert: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
5.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 9 K

Tampa (62-63; 26-34 in the second half) (Lost to Clearwater, 7-3. The Tarpons need to finish 2-1 to finish at .500)

Their season ends on Sunday.

SS Dax Kilby: 3-for-5, R, SB (14), K
Kilby’s insane run continues. He is now 23-for-65 (.354/.447/.446; 2 doubles, 2 triples, 0 HR, 9 RBI, 18 R, 14-for-15 SB, 11 BB, 10 K) and has eight multi-hit efforts in his last 12 games. I wonder if questions about his ability to play shortstop caused him to slip in the draft. The answer is likely “Yes,” to some extent.
3B Roderick Arias: 1-for-4, 2B (19), RBI, BB, 2 K
DH Enmanuel Tejeda: 1-for-3, RBI, SB (12), BB
CF Marshall Toole: 0-for-4, BB
With three games to play, Toole is at .304/.403/.481 in 367 PA. The Florida State League batting title is sewn up, as nobody else is above .281. It’s all about trying to be the only qualified FSL player to hit .300 this season.
2B Bryce Martin-Grudzielanek: 0-for-5, 2 K
RF Willy Montero: 0-for-4, K
C Ediel Rivera: 0-for-1, SB (6), CS (1), 3 BB
Rivera hadn’t drawn a walk in seven straight games heading into tonight (he had two walks in August!)
LF Hans Montero: 1-for-3, SB (25), BB, 2 K
After stealing zero bases in July, he is 10-for-12 in August/September. This was his 15th start in LF (33 at first base; 19 at second base; 11 at third base; 3 in right field).
1B Josue Gonzalez: 1-for-4, HR (4), RBI, 2 R, K

RHP Mariano Salomon: (L, 1-5) 3.1 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 5 K
LHP Franyer Herrera: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 3 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
It’s a bit deceiving after this performance, but he still owns a 0.00 ERA since his promotion (10 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 0 ER, 5 BB, 12 K)
RHP Cade Austin: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 1 K
3.08 ERA (52.2 IP, 46 H, 25 R, 18 ER, 5 HR, 24 BB, 57 K)
RHP Jack Sokol: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
3.60 ERA (45 IP, 46 H, 27 R, 18 ER, 3 HR, 22 BB, 40 K)

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (24-32)

Their season is over.

DSL Bombers (31-25)

Their season is over.

Yankees MILB 8/29: George Lombard Jr. Goes Yard

Notes:

Trade analysis links:
Jose Caballero/Camilo Doval (link)
David Bednar/Jake Bird (link)
Ryan McMahon (link)
Amed Rosario (link)
Austin Slater (link)

My thoughts on Core Jackson.

OF Austin Slater started his rehab stint tonight with Scranton.

The good news? The Yankees don’t have to worry about making a corresponding roster move once he is ready, as the rosters expand on Monday. That is bad news for other players who may have wanted Slater’s spot (J.C. Escarra being the most notable).

The same is true with the pitching staff. LHP Ryan Yarbrough can come up on Monday, and everything else remains untouched. I am not sure if they will keep RHP Paul Blackburn, but they can if they want to.

Injury Log

Scranton (77-50; 39-16 in second half) (Defeated Syracuse, 6-2. Scranton is up by five games in the second-half race.)

LF Austin Slater: 2-for-3
As for his Yankees’ role, he’ll be a backup outfielder who gets some AB against LHP. It won’t be much, given how well the outfield is playing right now.
  LF Duke Ellis: 0-for-2, 2 K
3B Jorbit Vivas: 0-for-4, BB, K
CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-4, 2 R, SB (16), BB, 3 K
Jones is getting closer to a 30/30 season (he has 32 home runs and 26 stolen bases). “Who was the last Yankees minor leaguer to accomplish that?”  I’m not sure, but it’s been a long time. Estevan Florial came close in 2023.
C J.C. Escarra: 3-for-4, RBI, R
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-4, R, 3 K
A .228/.339/.366 August has his average down to .293.
DH Brennen Davis: 1-for-4, HR (12), 2 RBI, R, K
Davis has homered in three straight games and has five home runs in his last five games. Including his rehab time, he has hit 17 home runs in 36 games (.787 SLG)
2B Jose Rojas: 1-for-2, HR (27), 3 RBI, R, 2 BB
Rojas has four home runs in his last four games and is marching towards a 100 RBI season (93). The last player to do that in the Yankees minor league system is Brandon Laird, who drove home 102 in 2010.
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 0-for-3, BB, K
SS Braden Shewmake: 0-for-3, BB

RHP Allan Winans: (W, 11-0) 5 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
For Scranton: 1.18 ERA (84 IP, 62 H, 14 R, 11 ER, 2 HR, 22 BB, 90 K.
RHP Kervin Castro: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
1.33 ERA (40.2 IP, 22 H, 9 R, 6 ER, 1 HR, 18 BB, 50 K)
RHP Wilking Rodriguez: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Jake Bird: 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, HR
Bird was solid last time out but fell back down tonight. He has a 7.56 ERA since his demotion.
RHP Ian Hamilton: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

Somerset (64-60; 29-26 in second half) (Defeated Binghamton, 6-5)

Hartford lost, so Somerset increases their lead to 1.5 games in the race for a playoff berth. Hartford is playing Portland this week. Portland is 2.5 games out.

Somerset’s season ends on September 14th.

RF Brendan Jones: 1-for-4, RBI, BB, 2 K
I have mentioned that one of Jones’ attributes is his ability to play all three outfield positions. 2025 breakdown: CF: 59 games; LF: 23 games; RF: 18 games.
SS George Lombard Jr.: 2-for-4, HR (7), 2 RBI, R, SB (19), BB, K
Heading into tonight (don’t have an updated number), Lombard Jr. had a 110 wRC+ in his last 68 games at this level. That number will go up and should remind you of another fact: The Eastern League is not typically hitter-friendly. That 110 wRC+ featured a .212/.324/.376 triple slash. By the way, “last 68 games” is indeed cherry-picked. But when it comes to prospects, you are looking for upward trends and when they started.
DH Jace Avina: 0-for-4, HBP, 2 K
3B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-5, 2 K
LF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-4, R, BB, 2 K
1B Coby Morales: 1-for-2, R, BB, K
    PH Tyler Hardman: 1-for-2, RBI
C Manuel Palencia: 1-for-4, R, K
CF Garrett Martin: 1-for-2, R, 2 SB (18), 2 BB
2B Duncan Pastore: 0-for-3, RBI, R, BB

RHP Ben Hess: (W, 2-1)  5.2 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 8 K
Hess cruised through five innings before running into a little trouble in the 6th. Since promotion: 3.16 ERA (25.2 IP, 15 H, 11 R, 9 ER, 1 HR, 10 BB, 32 K). Overall, Hess is up to 126 strikeouts in 92.1 innings in his debut season. I will say it again: He can be an option as early as sometime in 2026. They were lucky that Cam Schlittler ascended quickly to the big club this year, as their overall young pitching depth was lacking. That may not be the case next year.
LHP Will Brian: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Baron Stuart: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Hayden Merda: 0.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Carson Coleman: (S, 1) 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

Hudson Valley (74-47; 36-21 second half) (Defeated Brooklyn, 5-1)

Greensboro finally lost and owns a 3-game lead over Hudson Valley for the second-half title. There are only two games before their season-ending 6-game series. In other words, those games will have some meaning. We’ll see how much.

CF Dillon Lewis: 1-for-4, BB, K
SS Core Jackson: 0-for-5, 2 K
3B Juan Matheus: 0-for-4, R, SB (5), BB, 3 K
Matheus has his first career 40-stolen base campaign (previous high was 15, though he never played more than 54 games before 2025)
C Engelth Urena: 1-for-5, 2B (2)
1B Josh Moylan: 2-for-4, 2B (17), 2 R, BB
LF Luis Durango: 1-for-3, R, SB (16), 2 HBP, K
Durango has ten stolen bases in his last seven games.
2B Connor McGinnis: 1-for-4, BB, K
RF Robbie Burnett: 1-for-2, HR (1), SF, 2 RBI, R, BB, K
Burnett launches his first professional home run.
DH Joe Delossantos: 0-for-3, K

LHP Xavier Rivas: (W, 2-1)  6 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 7 K
Since promotion: 1.50 ERA (24 IP, 8 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 HR, 10 BB, 34 K). Overall, between the FCL, Tampa, and Hudson Valley, Rivas has a 3.60 ERA in 80 IP with 49 hits allowed, 46 walks, and 103 strikeouts. Is he the latest mid-to-late round “find” by the Yankees?
RHP Chris Kean: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Tyrone Yulie: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Tony Rossi: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Yulie and Rossi were the main characters in the Hudson Valley meltdown the other night. Great to see them bounce back.

Tampa (59-61; 23-32 in the second half) (Defeated Bradenton, 5-4)

Tampa’s season ends on September 7th.

CF Marshall Toole: 1-for-4, CS (6), K
SS Roderick Arias: 1-for-4, R, 2 K
2B Enmanuel Tejeda: 2-for-4, HR (3), RBI, R, SB (9), K
His personal best for home runs in a season is five, set in 2023.
3B Bryce Martin-Grudzielanek: 1-for-3, SF, RBI, K
LF Richie Bonomolo Jr.: 1-for-4, R, SB (4)
RF Willy Montero: 2-for-4, HR (1), 2 RBI, R
.280/.323/.347 in 161 PA. He isn’t known for elite power, but he hit seven home runs at this level last season (120 games).
C Ediel Rivera: 0-for-3, R, HBP, 2 K
1B Hans Montero: 1-for-3, SB (22), K
DH Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-2, HBP, 2 K

RHP Jose M. Rodriguez (W, 3-1): 5.1 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 6 K, 2 HR
Since promotion: 5.25 ERA (24 IP, 19 H, 15 R, 14 ER, 2 HR, 19 BB, 20 K)
RHP Jack Sokol: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
3.74 ERA (43.1 IP, 45 H, 27 R, 18 ER, 3 HR, 22 BB, 37 K)
RHP Gus Hughes: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 0 K
3.89 ERA (44 IP, 38 H, 26 R, 19 ER, 4 HR, 20 BB, 40 K)
RHP Cade Austin (S, 2): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
3.18 ERA (51 IP, 45 H, 25 R, 18 ER, 4 HR, 21 BB, 56 K). All three of tonight’s relievers could/should find themselves in the 2026 Hudson Valley bullpen. In Austin’s case, he is spending two years at this level.

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (24-32)

Their season is over.

DSL Bombers (31-25)

Their season is over.

Yankees MILB 8/23: Ben Hess Ks 9

Notes:

Trade analysis links:
Jose Caballero/Camilo Doval (link)
David Bednar/Jake Bird (link)
Ryan McMahon (link)
Amed Rosario (link)
Austin Slater (link)

My thoughts on Core Jackson.

No other news today.

Injury Log

Scranton (73-49; 35-15 in second half) (Defeated Buffalo, 10-3)

Syracuse has fallen two games behind the pace (33-17) while Toledo (31-19) has surged past Indianapolis (30-20). These are the four teams currently in the mix for the second-half title. Whoever has the best record will take on Jacksonville for the International League championship for a spot in Las Vegas to play the PCL winner for the overall Triple-A title.

2B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-5, RBI, R, K
DH J.C. Escarra: 2-for-5
CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-5, HR (16), 2 RBI, R, 2 K
Jones has 16 HR in 198 PA for Scranton (16 in 208 PA for Somerset) and is again at the top of the minor league leaderboard (Ryan Ward (LAD) and 20-year-old Lazaro Montes (SEA) have 31). He has hit safely in six of his last seven games (8-for-30; 2 doubles, 2 HR). 
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-4, R, K
LF Brennen Davis: 2-for-3, 2 HR (9), 3 RBI, 2 R, K
Davis has launched nine home runs in 18 games at this level and 14 home runs in 32 games overall. This is his second multi-home run effort in his last five games (though the other game was on June 21st!)
   LF Bryan De La Cruz: 0-for-1, K
RF Jose Rojas: 0-for-4, R
   RF Duke Ellis: 0-for-0
3B Jeimer Candelario: 1-for-3, HR (6), 2 RBI, 2 R, BB, K
Canderlario has homered in back-to-back games.
C Omar Martinez: 1-for-4, HR (1), RBI, R
Martinez launches his first Triple-A home run (12th overall). 
SS Andrew Velazquez: 1-for-4, R, 2 K

RHP Brendan Beck: (W, 7-1)  5 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 5 K
At this level: 4.64 ERA (54.1 IP, 46 H, 28 R, 28 ER, 11 HR, 16 BB, 44 K). Overall, he has tossed 108.2 innings after entering 2025 with only 34 innings to his name (2023). As a fun sidenote, he is tied for the overall minor league lead with 12 wins. Will a healthy season make him more enticing in the 2025 Rule 5 draft, if he isn’t protected or traded?
RHP Allan Winans: (S, 1): 4 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 4 K
1.25 ERA (79 IP, 59 H, 14 R, 11 ER, 2 HR, 22 BB, 86 K)

Somerset (62-57; 27-23 in second half)  (Won a big game against Hartford, 5-3. They take a 1.5-game lead in the second-half standings)

LF Brendan Jones: 0-for-5, K
SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-2, 2 R, 2 BB
At this level: .212/.332/.346 in 383 PA (17 doubles, 4 triples, 6 HR, 25 RBI, 58 R, 18-for-21 SB, 13.1% BB, 25.1% K). 
CF Jace Avina: 2-for-3, HR (3), 2 RBI, 2 R, HBP
Avina’s first blast since July 22. 
3B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-2, 2B (16), RBI, R, K
Jasso left the game early. He made a defensive play in the top of an inning before being pinch-hit for in the bottom half of the inning.  Related? No idea.
   PH-2B Duncan Pastore: 1-for-2, 2B (2)
1B Tyler Hardman: 1-for-3, 2 RBI, BB, 2 K
RF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-4, K
DH Coby Morales: 1-for-4
2B-3B Jake Gatewood: 0-for-4, 3 K
C Tomas Frick: 2-for-4, 2B (2)

RHP Ben Hess: (W, 1-1) 5 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 9 K
Since promotion: 2.70 ERA (20 IP, 12 H, 8 R, 6 ER, 1 HR, 8 BB, 24 K). This is his fourth 9-strikeout game this season (first for Somerset). Hess can put himself on the radar for a 2026 MLB debut. 
LHP Geoffrey Gilbert: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Gilbert makes his Double-A debut. 
RHP Mason Vinyard: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Michael Arias (S, 1): 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K, HR

Hudson Valley (71-44; 33-18 second half) (Lost to Jersey Shore, 8-3)

DH Dillon Lewis: 0-for-4, R, K
SS Kaeden Kent: 2-for-4, 2 RBI, R, K
Kent’s first multi-hit game as a professional.
3B Juan Matheus: 1-for-4, 2B (6), RBI, K
Matheus’ 29th double between here and Tampa (he has 37 stolen bases)
1B Josh Moylan: 1-for-4, 2 K
LF Tyler Wilson: 0-for-4, K
CF Camden Troyer: 3-for-4
Troyer, their 12th-round pick out of Liberty, compiles his first career 3-hit game. He is 11-for-34 (.324) with a double, four walks, and only two strikeouts.
2B Connor McGinnis: 0-for-4, 2 K
RF Robbie Burnett: 1-for-3, R, K
C John Cristino: 0-for-3, 2 K

RHP Andrew Landry: (L, 2-3)  4.1 IP, 7 H, 8 R, 8 ER, 5 BB, 3 K, HR
RHP Jack Cebert: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
Their 15th-round pick in the 2025 draft (Texas Tech) makes his professional debut.
RHP Chris Kean: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Tony Rossi: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
At this level: 2.18 ERA (33 IP, 14 H, 8 R, 8 ER, 0 HR, 22 BB, 43 K). In his debut campaign, he hasn’t allowed a homer in 40.2 innings.

Tampa (56-60; 20-31 in the second half)

Their game against Fort Myers was postponed. They will try to play a doubleheader tomorrow.

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (24-32)

Their season is over.

DSL Bombers (31-25)

Their season is over.

Yankees MILB 8/17: Ben Hess: 6 Scoreless Innings

Notes:

Trade analysis links:
Jose Caballero/Camilo Doval (link)
David Bednar/Jake Bird (link)
Ryan McMahon (link)
Amed Rosario (link)
Austin Slater (link)

SS Jackson Lovich isn’t in Scranton after all. My “gut” was telling me that it was a weird assignment, but I also know teams sometimes move players to advanced levels if they have an emergency need. Anyway, erase that from your memory – he was never assigned to Scranton and is instead in Tampa.

RHP Jonathan Loaisiga began his rehab stint today. The Yankees have three pitchers on rehab stints (Loaisiga, Ryan Yarbrough, and Fernando Cruz), which will make for interesting roster decisions in the coming days. Yesterday, I mentioned three possibilities, and they may be the three demotions: Yerry De los Santos, Cam Schlittler, and Brent Headrick.  We’ll cross that bridge and all that jazz.

Injury Log

Scranton (70-47; 32-13 in second half) (Defeated Indianapolis, 7-5)

The Railriders end the week with a 1-game lead over Syracuse for the second-half title. Indianapolis had a chance to get into the mix, but needed to do more than split the 6-game series.

3B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-3, R, BB
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-4, HR (15), 3 RBI, R
.308/.393/.499 in 473 PA (30 doubles, 1 triple, 15 HR, 82 RBI, 73 R, 4-for-6 SB, 11.4% BB, 16.5% K). Can he reach 100 RBI?  The Triple-A schedule is longer than other levels, so it’s possible. So far, one minor leaguer has reached that plateau: Ryan Ward (LAD) has 105. He’s the “professional minor league hitter” I have mentioned many times this season. 
CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-4, 2B (7), R, K
Jones has hit safely in five of his last seven games. He’s only 6-for-31 during this timeframe, but we are looking for any little sign that he is starting to break out of his malaise.
2B Jose Rojas: 1-for-3, 2B (30), RBI, R, BB, K
Speaking of 100 RBI, it is Rojas who leads the Yankees’ organization with 84.
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 2-for-4, 3B (1), R, 2 K
De La Cruz has four multi-hit efforts in his last five games.
DH Jeimer Candelario: 1-for-3, 2B (13), SF, 2 RBI, R, K
SS Braden Shewmake: 1-for-4, RBI, K
C Omar Martinez: 1-for-4, R, 3 K
LF Duke Ellis: 1-for-3, SB (26)
Ellis has calmed down a tad, but he is 20-for-46 (.435) in August with a perfect 10-for-10 stolen base rate. Your reminder that he hit .390 in July.

RHP Erick Leal: (W, 8-9) 6 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 6 K
Baseball is a funny game: Indianapolis crushed Leal on Tuesday (4 IP, 7 H, 6 R)
RHP Jonathan Loaisiga: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Fernando Cruz: 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, HR
His two rehab appearances haven’t gone well statistically – but as long as he is healthy…
RHP Scott Effross (S, 2): 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

Somerset (61-53; 26-20 in second half) (Defeated Portland, 4-3, in ten innings)

Hartford has fallen off considerably, giving Somerset a comfortable lead in the second-half race (4.5 games). This is a big week for the race, as Somerset and Hartford begin a 6-game series on Tuesday. Portland is 5.5 games behind.

SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-4, R, BB, 3 K
As stated on the YES broadcast, Lombard Jr. has been good after a slow start here. It is important to note that he was still a teenager when he was promoted here. Patience.
CF Jace Avina: 0-for-4, 3 K
RF Brendan Jones: 1-for-4, 2B (8), RBI, CS (4), 2 K
I think Jones has a good chance to become a Major League player. What role that is (and for which team) is to be determined.
3B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-4, 2 K
  PR-2B Duncan Pastore: 0-for-0, R
1B Tyler Hardman: 2-for-3, 2B (20), R, BB, K
LF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-3, HR (1), 3 RBI, R, BB
Castillo’s first Double-A home run was a big one – a 3-run blast in the top of the 10th.
C Tomas Frick: 0-for-2, 2 BB
DH Coby Morales: 0-for-4, 3 K
2B Jake Gatewood: 0-for-4, 2 K

RHP Ben Hess: 6 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 5 K
After allowing six runs over nine innings in his first two Somerset starts, Hess shows us why he was last year’s first-round selection. Overall, he has 109 strikeouts in 81.2 innings.
LHP Will Brian: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
At this level: 2.37 ERA (30.1 IP, 23 H, 11 R, 8 ER, 1 HR, 15 BB, 34 K)
RHP Hayden Merda: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Merda has impressed lately (one run allowed in last 12 innings).
RHP Kelly Austin: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
RHP Luis Pacheco: (W, 3-1)  1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Mason Vinyard (S, 2): 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K

Hudson Valley (69-42; 31-16 second half) (Avenged being no-hit yesterday by squeaking out a 1-0 win over Aberdeen today)

The Renegades are playing .622 ball this season, but the playoffs remain out of reach. Greensboro has a 3-game lead for the second-half title.

DH Dillon Lewis: 2-for-4, 2B (11), R, K
Lewis is a proud member of the 20/20/20 club (20 doubles, 20 HR, 23 stolen bases). Those numbers show you why people are intrigued by his talent.
SS Kaeden Kent: 0-for-4
Kent continues to struggle (3-for-35 with a homer). As I keep saying, I don’t worry much about what the 2025 draftees do as they get their feet wet. Next year?  Yeah, more telling.
3B Juan Matheus: 0-for-3, BB, K
Since promotion: .275/.341/.475 in 44 PA (5 doubles, 1 HR, 5 RBI). 
1B Josh Moylan: 0-for-2, SF, RBI
His 6th inning sacrifice fly was all that was needed today.
CF Camden Troyer: 1-for-3, CS (1)
Troyer is 5-for-24 with a double to begin his professional journey.
RF Luis Durango: 0-for-1, 2 SB (8), BB
  RF Robbie Burnett: 0-for-1, K
LF Joe Delossantos: 0-for-2, SB (2), BB, 2 K
C John Cristino: 0-for-3, 3 K
2B Owen Cobb: 1-for-3

RHP Cade Smith: 5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K
At this level: 2.50 ERA in 18 IP (11 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 9 BB, 19 K). He tossed 64 pitches today (missed most of the season to injury.)
RHP Matt Keating: (W, 3-1) 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
2.79 ERA (42 IP, 30 H, 16 R, 13 ER, 1 HR, 18 BB, 49 K)
LHP Geoffrey Gilbert: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
2.55 ERA (35.1 IP, 23 H, 11 R, 10 ER, 2 HR, 17 BB, 51 K)
RHP Bryce Warrecker (S, 4): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
2.03 ERA (48.2 IP, 29 H, 11 R, 11 ER, 1 HR, 11 BB, 51 K). As you can see, the bullpen has been a big reason for Hudson Valley’s success.

Tampa (53-59; 17-30 in the second half) (Defeated Dunedin, 7-5)

I have nothing to offer about their playoff chances, which is painfully obvious.

SS Dax Kilby: 2-for-5, 2B (1), 2 RBI, R
Kilby swats his first professional extra-base hit (also his first multi-hit game). After starting 0-for-9, he is 4-for-13.
3B Roderick Arias: 1-for-3, RBI, BB, K
DH Enmanuel Tejeda: 1-for-3, R, BB
Tejeda’s stroke isn’t back yet, but the walks continue to pile up (19 in 22 games at this level). He hit .310 in 43 games at this level before his injury in 2024.
CF Marshall Toole: 0-for-3, BB, K
RF Wilson Rodriguez: 0-for-3, K
I am not sure why Rodriguez left the game.
  RF Eric Genther: 0-for-1
2B Bryce Martin-Grudzielanek: 0-for-3, R, BB, K
LF Willy Montero: 1-for-4, RBI, R
1B Jackson Lovich: 4-for-4, 2B (1), RBI, 3 R
Maybe they should have started him in Triple-A!  This is as good as it gets for a professional debut. As stated yesterday, he is listed as a shortstop but is likely more of a player who moves around the diamond.
C Ediel Rivera: 1-for-4, RBI

LHP Allen Facundo: 3.2 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 8 K
Facundo reached 97.2 MPH. A lefty throwing this hard deserves attention in prospect circles. He owns a 2.92 ERA in 24.2 innings since his promotion (20 H, 10 R, 8 ER, 0 HR, 8 BB, 27 K)
RHP Brady Kirtner: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Cade Austin: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
LHP Franyer Herrera (W,1-0): 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Since promotion: 4.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K. 
RHP Chris Veach (S, 7): 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
2.59 ERA (48.2 IP, 39 H, 22 R, 14 ER, 5 HR, 26 BB, 64 K). The 23-year-old has put together a solid debut campaign.

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

The DSL ends on Tuesday.  Can the Bombers secure a spot in the DSL Cup Tournament with two games remaining?  13 squads have clinched, leaving three openings. The team currently in 16th position is 30-24. The Bombers are 29-25. One thing I am not factoring into my analysis is division winners (8) vs. wild-card entrants (8). I am not digging that deeply into it. Bottom line? Win Monday and Tuesday and see what happens.

DSL Yankees (23-31)

Day off.

DSL Bombers (29-25)

Day off.

Yankees MILB 8/6: George Lombard Jr. Triples

Notes:

The layout of the site has changed. Something went goofy with the other theme. This may or may not be permanent, but it works for now.

Trade analysis links:
Jose Caballero/Camilo Doval (link)
David Bednar/Jake Bird (link)
Ryan McMahon (link)
Amed Rosario (link)
Austin Slater (link)

The promotions continued today, as infielders Juan Matheus and Owen Cobb were promoted to Hudson Valley alongside outfielder Tyler Wilson. Hudson Valley was also lacking in starting pitchers, so they received LHP Xavier Rivas and RHP Brandon Decker from Tampa.

First-round pick Dax Kilby will begin his professional journey in Tampa. He wasn’t in the lineup tonight, however. Those who were in the lineup include 1B Kyle West (13th round), OF Richie Bonomolo Jr. (7th), and infielder Bryce Martin-Grudzielanek (20th). All of them earned their first professional hits in their debuts.

Once again, promotions and roster shuffling come with the unfortunate business of players being released. Today, the Yankees let go of Hudson Valley infielders Brenny Escanio and Jose Colmenares. Escanio, acquired from the Brewers for J.P. Feyereisen in 2019, couldn’t get much going with the bat. This year, he is hitting .206/.331/.285 in 256 plate appearances. He stole ten bases but was also caught seven times. I wrote up a solid number of notes on Colmenares this season, due to a couple of hot streaks. However, the overall numbers weren’t great, as he hit .213/.312/.360 with six homers and 34 RBI over 331 plate appearances.

A night after Somerset, Hudson Valley, and Tampa swept the Mets’ affiliates, the Mets’ affiliates returned the favor.

Injury Log

Scranton (65-42; 27-8 in second half) (Split a doubleheader against Lehigh Valley)

Game 1 (Lost, 12-1)

2B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-4, 2B (11)
CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-3, R, SB (12), BB, K
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-3
C J.C. Escarra: 0-for-2, BB, K
3B Jeimer Candelario: 0-for-3, 2 K
DH Jose Rojas: 0-for-2, RBI, BB, K
SS Braden Shewmake: 1-for-3
RF Ismael Munguia: 1-for-3
LF Duke Ellis: 0-for-3, K
Ellis’ 9-game hitting streak is snapped.

RHP Erick Leal (L, 7-8): 4 IP, 8 H, 9 R, 8 ER, 1 BB, 3 K, 2 HR
Leal has been pitching well lately, but had nothing tonight.
RHP Ian Hamilton: 0.2 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
RHP Bailey Dees: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Since promotion: 5.1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 4 BB, 4 K

Game 2 (Won, 12-9, in 9 innings. The game was tied, 4-4, entering the 9th)

2B Jorbit Vivas: 0-for-3, R, 2 BB
CF Spencer Jones: 0-for-3, SF, RBI, R, SB (13), CS (3), BB
Forget 20/20. Can Jones reach 30/30? He has 29 home runs and 23 stolen bases. His Triple-A batting average is down to .343, and he hasn’t homered in nine straight games (since his 3-HR game on July 24th. He missed the next few games due to back spasms and hasn’t been the same since.)
1B T.J. Rumfield: 2-for-4, 2B (29), HR (13), 3 RBI, 2 R, BB, 2 K
After hitting .395/.476/.593 in July, Rumfield is 8-for-26 (.308) with a double, two home runs, and seven RBI in August. After a less-than-ideal April, Rumfield has been very good.
DH J.C. Escarra: 2-for-3, SF, RBI, K
  PR-DH-P Ismael Munguia: 1-for-1, HR (4, grand slam), 4 RBI, 2 R
Munguia entered the game as the ghost runner in the 9th, only to hit a grand slam later in the inning.
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 1-for-4, RBI, 2 K
   PR-RF Duke Ellis: 0-for-1, R, SB (20)
3B Jeimer Candelario: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
   PR-SS Braden Shewmake: 0-for-0, R, SB (10)
LF Jose Rojas: 1-for-4, 2 RBI, R, K
SS-3B Jake Gatewood: 1-for-4, R, SB (3), 2 K
C Omar Martinez: 0-for-1, 2 R, HBP, 2 BB

RHP Harrison Cohen: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
Cohen’s second career start (obviously, this was an emergency). Since promotion: 1.76 ERA (15.1 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 8 BB, 16 K)
RHP Baron Stuart: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 1 K
RHP Joel Kuhnel: 2.1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Leonardo Pestana: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K
RHP Jake Bird (W, 1-0) 1 IP, 0 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
His first inning of work was fine, but he didn’t have much in his second inning.
RHP Ismael Munguia: 1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
They were out of pitchers, so they turned to Munguia.

Somerset (56-48; 21-14 in second half) (Lost to Binghamton, 6-1)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 2-for-4, 3B (4), R
Lombard Jr. needed a solid game like this. He is 4-for-22 to begin August.
CF Jace Avina: 1-for-4, RBI, K
3B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-3, HBP
After hitting .243/.329/.399 last year, the Yankees still moved him up to Somerset. It worked, as he is hitting .281/.347/.463 in 403 plate appearances.
DH Garrett Martin: 1-for-4, 2B (11), K
.223/.293/.369 in 309 PA. For Hudson Valley last season, he hit .216/.326/.422 in 346 PA.
LF Brendan Jones: 1-for-4
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
RF Cole Gabrielson: 1-for-4, SB (14), 2 K
C Manuel Palencia: 0-for-3, K
2B Max Burt: 0-for-3, 2 K

RHP Ben Hess: (L, 0-1) 4.1 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 4 K, HR
Hess, their 2024 first-round pick, makes his Double-A debut. Two of the three runs scored after he left the game.
RHP Cole Ayers: 0.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Michael Arias: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
6.2 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 6 BB, 8 K. Like many minor leaguers, walks have been his issue (242/143 K/BB in 197.1 minor league innings).
RHP Hayden Merda: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, HR
RHP Luis Pacheco: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Hudson Valley (62-39; 24-13 second half) (Lost to Brooklyn, 7-3)

CF Dillon Lewis: 0-for-3, 2 BB
Walks are a big part of his game (8.6% BB rate at this level), but he isn’t helpless in that department. So many tools to work with.
SS Kaeden Kent: 0-for-3, R, 2 BB, K
Kent had a .398 OBP for Texas A&M this season.
C Engelth Urena: 1-for-5, R, 2 K
1B Coby Morales: 2-for-5, 3 K
LF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-5, RBI, SB (21), K
3B Josh Moylan: 0-for-2, R, HBP, BB, K
2B Alexander Vargas: 2-for-4, HR (6), 2 RBI, R, K
Vargas’ first home run since July 4th. 
DH Kiko Romero: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
RF Anthony Hall: 0-for-2, 2 BB, K

RHP Brandon Decker: (L, 0-1)  5.2 IP, 10 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 2 BB, 4 K, HR
Decker’s High-A debut didn’t go well, but he was thrown to the wolves. He started the season as a reliever and wasn’t asked to go more than 4.2 innings as a starter until tonight.
RHP Matt Keating: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Bryce Warrecker: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
1.59 ERA (45.1 IP, 24 H, 8 R, 8 ER, 1 HR, 10 BB, 49 K). 
RHP Jordany Ventura: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

Tampa (48-52; 12-23 in the second half)  (Lost to St. Lucie, 6-4)

2B Enmanuel Tejeda: 1-for-4, RBI, R, BB
Tejeda is 8-for-35 (.229/.357/.371) since coming back from his rehab stint.
CF Marshall Toole: 1-for-3, RBI, 2 SB (31), 2 BB, K
Toole is 39-for-44 (88.6%) stealing bases in 92 career games.
SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-3, SB (24), 2 BB, 2 K
RF Willy Montero: 0-for-4, BB, 2 K
LF Wilson Rodriguez: 0-for-4, 3 K
1B Kyle West: 1-for-3, R, BB
West is a 22-year-old left-handed bat out of West Virginia. 
DH Richie Bonomolo Jr.: 1-for-4, 2 R
The 21-year-old right-handed bat was drafted out of Alabama. He is an outfielder.
C Ediel Rivera: 0-for-4, 3 K
3B Bryce Martin-Grudzielanek: 1-for-4, K
Martin-Grudzielanek, the son of former MLB player Mark Grudzielanek, is a 22-year-old right-handed hitter from USC.

RHP Sunayro Martina: 3.2 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 3 K
RHP Mariano Salomon: 4.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
Since promotion: 6.10 ERA (20.2 IP, 23 H, 15 R, 14 ER, 4 HR, 7 BB, 16 K). 
RHP Antonio Gomez: (L, 0-1)  0.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
Gomez reached 99.9 MPH with his fastball. Yes, you need a new hobby if you are going to complain about the runs he is giving up. That’s expected.
LHP Tanner Bauman: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (20-26)

Day off.

DSL Bombers (25-21)

Day off.

Yankees MILB 8/1: Mani Cedeno Hits First Professional Homer

Notes:

Trade analysis links:
Jose Caballero/Camilo Doval (link))
David Bednar/Jake Bird (link)
Ryan McMahon (link)
Amed Rosario (link)
Austin Slater (link)

When you trade prospects, movement is likely. C Omar Martinez was moved from Somerset to Scranton, while C Manuel Palencia was moved from Hudson Valley to Somerset. Scranton further filled in their roster by activating infielder Jake Gatewood and OF Ismael Munguia off the Development List.

As for Tampa’s catching situation, they currently have Engelth Urena, Josue Gonzalez, and Juan Sanchez active. Urena was splitting time between catcher and designated hitter with Edgleen Perez, who was traded to the Pirates on Thursday.

The Yankees have released UTIL Nicky Lopez. This was Lopez’s decision, as he exercised an opt-out clause which forced the Yankees’ hand.  He wasn’t with the organization for long (17 games) and will look for a better opportunity elsewhere.

With the release of Marcus Stroman, it is fair to ask about the Yankees’ pitching depth. The Yankees felt that Cam Schlittler‘s MLB development was worth the inconvenience of less rotation depth.

Ryan Yarbrough appears to be a while away from returning, leaving Allan Winans as someone they can call up in an emergency. Brendan Beck pitched well for Somerset but owns a 4.86 ERA in 33.1 innings for Scranton. Some of that is attributed to a spike in his home run rate. That said, he is a strike thrower who may be able to limit the damage a few times around the lineup. Sean Boyle is 28 and has been toiling in the system since 2018. He owns a 4.58 ERA, 23.5% K, and 45.7% GB in 92.1 innings for Scranton.

I doubt they would think about Carlos Lagrange or Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz in 2025, but keep them somewhere in the back of your mind.

None of the Scranton arms are going to jump out at you and get you excited. But, in a “break glass” situation, that’s what we have.

I will note that trades aren’t completely dead. Players who are on minor league contracts and have not appeared on a 40-man roster this year are eligible to be traded. You rarely see prospect-for-prospect moves, but there could be a veteran on someone’s minor league roster that comes into play in this scenario as well. The Yankees will also monitor the waiver wire.

I didn’t say any of this was ideal. However, I also can’t complain about giving a rookie a chance to prove himself over the next several weeks.

In case you were wondering (you weren’t), there wasn’t a minor league report last night because all four full-season affiliate teams were rained out. Today, three of those squads played doubleheaders.

Injury Log

Scranton (62-40; 24-6 in second half) (Swept a doubleheader against Nashville. You may think they are running away with the second-half title, but nope. Syracuse is 24-7 while Indianapolis is 20-10)

Game 1 (Won, 2-0)

2B Jorbit Vivas: 0-for-2, BB
CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-3, RBI
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-3
LF Jose Rojas: 0-for-3, K
DH Jeimer Candelario: 0-for-3
SS Braden Shewmake: 1-for-3, R
3B Andrew Velazquez: 1-for-3
RF Duke Ellis: 2-for-2, R
C Omar Martinez: 1-for-2, K
In addition to catching the shutout, Martinez earns a hit in his Triple-A debut.  Is he the next catcher to watch closely? Given that he is in Triple-A now, yes. Offensively, he is profiling as a low-average hitter with some patience and pop. He is hitting .227/.323/.378 in 347 PA between Hudson Valley/Somerset/Scranton with 11 home runs and 46 RBI. 

RHP Erick Leal: (W, 7-7): 7 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 10 K
Can Leal also enter the depth chart conversation? Why not? He would make for a good story, given that he is 30 and has yet to make his MLB debut. His overall numbers aren’t impressive (5.09 ERA in 93.2 IP with a 106/35 K/BB). However, through June 18th, he was 1-7 with a 7.35 ERA. He is a sinker/slider/splitter/slider guy who reached 92.2 MPH with his sinker today. That is about as much as I ever thought I would write about Erick Leal.

Game 2 (Won, 8-3. Leal’s complete game effort kept the bullpen fresh. They needed to use four relievers to get through this one.)

2B Jorbit Vivas: 0-for-2, RBI, R, 2 BB
CF Spencer Jones: 0-for-4, K
A quiet 1-for-7 day for Jones. He is back under .400 since his promotion (.383/.440/.862 in 109 PA).
1B T.J. Rumfield: 3-for-4, HR (12), 2 RBI, 2 R
Rumfield continues his hitting ways. He is up to .315/.397/.507 in 403 plate appearances with 28 doubles, a triple, 12 homers, and 70 RBI. I read an article by Tim Kurkjian about the decline of the “traditional” first baseman. When reading this article, you can what hurts Rumfield (lack of versatility) and what could potentially help him (an emphasis on defense). Someone will give him a shot – but it will likely require a small trade or when he can be signed as a minor league free agent.
DH Jose Rojas: 2-for-4, 2B (26), R, K
3B Jeimer Candelario: 0-for-3, RBI, K
I assume that Candelario has an opt-out somewhere in his deal as well (most veteran minor league signings do). Since it is typically around the first of the month, I wonder if he decided to stay?
SS Jake Gatewood: 1-for-3, HR (3), 3 RBI, R, K
I guess that time on he development list paid off!
RF Ismael Munguia: 2-for-3, R, K
CF Duke Ellis: 2-for-3, RBI, R, SB (17)
The veteran depth piece is on a heater. He has a 5-game hitting streak that features five multi-hit games (13-for-17 (lol); 5 doubles, 7 runs, 4 stolen bases). 
C Edinson Duran: 1-for-3, 2B (1), R, K

RHP Allan Winans: 3.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 5 BB, 4 K
Perhaps I take back my statement that he might be the #6 starter.
RHP Bailey Dees: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Harrison Cohen: (W, 1-0) 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Since promotion: 1.29 ERA (14 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, 7 BB, 13 K). The walks are high but he has cut them down in recent appearances.
RHP Baron Stuart: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Joel Kuhnel: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Somerset (53-47; 18-13 in second half) (Lost a doubleheader to Richmond)

Game 1 (Lost, 1-0)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-3, 2 K
DH Brendan Jones: 0-for-2, BB, K
3B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-3, K
1B Tyler Hardman: 1-for-3, CS (2), K
LF Jared Wegner: 0-for-3, K
C Tomas Frick: 0-for-3, 2 K
Frick figures to benefit from the trades/Omar Martinez promotion. 
RF Cam Eden: 1-for-2, SB (6), K
CF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-2, K
2B Max Burt: 1-for-2, 2B (10), K

RHP Carlos Lagrange: (L, 4-3) 4 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 5 BB, 8 K
This game shows off Lagrange’s talent and what he still needs to work on to become a complete starter. He needed 90 pitches to earn those 12 outs. Since his promotion: 3.22 ERA (44.2 IP, 27 H, 17 R, 16 ER, 3 HR, 31 BB, 63 K). For Hudson Valley: 4.10 ERA (41.2 IP, 31 H, 20 R, 19 ER, 4 HR, 12 BB, 62 K). His ERA is lower since his promotion, but the walk rate and spiked considerably. By the way, he has 127 strikeouts in 86.1 innings. As of this writing, that ranks second in all of minor league baseball (Jonah Tong (NYM) has 146 in 92 innings)
RHP Mason Vinyard: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Michael Arias: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K

Game 2 (Lost, 8-6)

CF Brendan Jones: 1-for-1, HR (7), 4 RBI, 2 R, 4 BB
Jones’ fourth 3+ walk game this season (first with Somerset) and his first career 4-BB game. He can take walks, has enough pop to keep you honest (11 HR in 88 games between here and Hudson Valley), and steals bases (33). I see him as a backup outfielder type, but maybe he can be more. 
SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-3, 2 BB, K
Not a “stand-out” day, but he reached base four times.
DH Dylan Jasso: 2-for-5, RBI, K
Jasso, who has played 1B/2B/3B this season, continues to get results at the plate.  He isn’t Rule 5 eligible until after the 2026 season.
1B Tyler Hardman: 1-for-4, R, K
RF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-2, R, 2 BB
LF Jared Wegner: 0-for-4, K
C Manuel Palencia: 2-for-4, 2B (1), R, K
Palencia earns his first Double-A hit. Like with Frick, this is an opportunity to get some playing time they otherwise wouldn’t get. None of the remaining catchers in Hudson Valley is projected to get here in 2025.
2B Duncan Pastore: 1-for-2, R, HBP, BB
3B Max Burt: 0-for-3, RBI, BB, K

LHP Brock Selvidge: (L, 2-3) 3.2 IP, 6 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 2 BB, 3 K, HR
Tough night for Selvidge. His ERA spikes to 5.11 at this level (37 IP, 32 H, 22 R, 21 ER, 3 HR, 23 BB, 32 K).
RHP Cole Ayers: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, HR
RHP Kelly Austin: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Luis Pacheco: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Hudson Valley (60-37; 22-11 second half) (Split two games against Wilmington. They are having a fantastic season, but there’s no playoff guarantee. Their solid 38-26 first-half was only good enough for third place. Believe it or not, their 22-11 second half is only good for second-place, 2.5 games behind Greensboro.)

Game 1 (Lost, 1-0)

LF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-3, 2 K
CF Dillon Lewis: 0-for-3, K
RF Coby Morales: 0-for-3, K
2B Jose Colmenares: 0-for-3, K
DH Josh Moylan: 1-for-2, BB
3B Alexander Vargas: 1-for-3, K
1B Kiko Romero: 0-for-3, K
C John Cristino: 1-for-2
SS Brenny Escanio: 0-for-1, BB

RHP Ben Hess (L, 4-3): 5 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 K
We call this a tough-luck loss. He tossed 75 pitches this evening and owns a 3.51 ERA in 66.2 IP (43 H, 30 R, 26 ER, 2 HR, 33 BB, 94 K). While the outings have been monitored and short, Hess has allowed zero or one run in his last five starts.  I wonder if they will give last year’s first-round pick a taste of Double-A before the season concludes.
RHP Carson Coleman: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
Coleman’s rehab was moved here.

Game 2 (Won, 2-0. Only one spot in the lineup changed for Game 2.)

CF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-3, RBI
Castillo is trying to follow-up on his solid July (.303/.404/.474)
DH Dillon Lewis: 0-for-3
.237/.300/.439 in 191 plate appearances since his promotion. For Tampa, in 195 plate appearances, he hit .250/.323/.477. His K% has gone down since his promotion (from 28.2 down to 19.4).
1B Coby Morales: 1-for-3, K
2B Jose Colmenares: 1-for-3
Colmenares is coming off a .260/.345/.493 July that featured seven doubles, two triples, and two home runs.
3B Josh Moylan: 0-for-3, K
SS Alexander Vargas: 0-for-3
RF Kiko Romero: 0-for-3, K
C John Cristino: 1-for-3, HR (1), RBI, R, 2 K
Cristino launches his first Hudson Valley homer (4-for-22 since his promotion). Yes, he was an “iron man” catcher today. Even though minor league doubleheaders are only 7-inning games, that is still impressive.
RF Anthony Hall: 1-for-2, R, 3B (1)

RHP Matt Keating: 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
2.78 ERA (35.2 IP, 26 H, 14 R, 11 ER, 1 HR, 15 BB, 41 K). This was his first professional start after 104 relief appearances.
RHP Sebastian Keane: (W, 6-0)  2.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Hudson Valley’s good luck charm owns a 3.16 ERA (25.2 IP, 18 H, 12 R, 9 ER, 1 HR, 15 BB, 28 K)
RHP Tony Rossi (S, 5): 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K
Since promotion: 2.08 ERA (26 IP, 10 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 0 HR, 17 BB, 32 K). Rossi got off to an insane start, though the walks are high since being promoted. 

Tampa (46-50; 10-21 in the second half)  (Lost to Clearwater, 6-4. They lost on a walk-off grand slam by Ricardo Hurtado.)

3B Juan Matheus: 1-for-4, RBI, BB
Matheus has a 5-game hitting streak (5-for-20, which actually brings his batting average down).
2B Enmanuel Tejeda: 1-for-3, RBI, SB (1), 2 BB
Tejeda has ten walks in 16 games between the FCL (rehab) and Tampa.
SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-5, 2 K
C Engelth Urena: 0-for-3, CS (3), BB, K
With Perez gone, Urena is now the “it” young catcher in Low-A.
LF Wilson Rodriguez: 0-for-4, K
CF Willy Montero: 1-for-4, 3 K
1B Tyler Wilson: 0-for-2, R, 2 BB
RF Marshall Toole: 1-for-3, 2B (13), 2 R, SB (29), BB, K
Toole is in a “leveling off” phase after a red-hot stretch. He is still hitting over.300 (.302/.411/.477 in 265 PA with 29 stolen bases in 32 attempts). He is second in the FSL in batting average, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage. This league is traditionally pitcher-friendly.
DH Hans Montero: 3-for-3, 2B (10), RBI, R, SB (16), BB
Montero’s second 3-hit effort this season. Showing off some utility this year (though he was the designated hitter tonight!), he is hitting .254/.336/.406 in 278 PA with personal bests in doubles (10), homers (9), and RBI (40).

RHP Edinzo Marquez: 4.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
The 20-year-old makes his Low-A debut after compiling a 2.19 ERA and 41/20 K/BB over 53.1 FCL innings. He featured a five-pitch mix tonight, with his 4-seam fastball maxing out at 94.2 MPH (averaged 92.7). He also uses a slider, change, sinker, and curve. He paid his dues and pitched well in the rookie leagues to earn this shot.
RHP Jack Sokol: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Mariano Salomon (L, 0-4): 2 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, HR

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (19-24) (Defeated the DSL Phillies White, 8-3)

CF Francisco Vilorio: 2-for-5, 3B (3), 2 RBI, R, CS (4), K
.299/.400/.389 in 170 plate appearances. Last year, in 170 plate appearances, he hit .196/.294/.345.
SS Mani Cedeno: 2-for-5, HR (1), 2 RBI, R, 3 K
Cedeno, their 16-year-old bonus baby prodigy, hits his first professional home run. He’s struggled a bit, especially with the strikeout rate (37.4%).
3B Richard Matic: 3-for-4, 2 2B (12), 3 R, SB (8), CS (6), BB, K
Matic, who is destroying this league right now, follows up a .406/.552/.609 July with a big start to August.
LF Estivenzon Montero: 1-for-4, BB, K
Montero has a 6-game hitting streak.
C Edgar Jimenez: 1-for-5, 2B (5), RBI, R, 2 K
RF Angel Ventura: 3-for-4, RBI, R, 3 SB (17), K
Ventura is 35-for-40 stealing bases in 62 career games.
1B Diego Flores: 1-for-3, R, BB, 2 K

RHP Carlos Hampshire: 4.1 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 4 K
LHP Marco Manzano (W, 3-1): 2.1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
The 21-year-old has a 3.32 ERA in 21.2 IP (19 H, 11 R, 8 ER, 2 HR, 17 BB, 30 K)
RHP Rafael Arias (S, 1): 2.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
Arias notches his first professional save.

DSL Bombers (23-20) (Lost to DSL Miami (30-13), 16-5)

SS Stiven Marinez: 2-for-4, RBI, 2 R, BB
Nice to see Cedeno and Marinez have solid days. Marinez is hitting .238/.409/.292 in 171 plate appearances with a 20-for-25 stolen base rate.
CF Ruben Castillo: 1-for-4, BB, 2 K
2B Juan Torres: 3-for-5, 2B (7), 3 RBI, CS (7)
The Torres Train continues to motor down the track. He is hitting .356/.405/.517 in 131 PA with 33 RBI in 36 games. Oh, he is also on a 13-game hitting streak.
3B Leni Done: 1-for-4, 2B (7), R, BB, 3 K
LF Richard Meran: 2-for-3, R, 2 BB, K
C Carlos Rondon: 1-for-1, 2 BB
   C Alessandro Rodriguez: 0-for-2, R, BB
The 16-year-old hasn’t been used often (6 games) and is still looking for his first professional hit (0-for-8). Does that mean he is a non-prospect? Not necessarily. He wasn’t signed until April 15 of this year.

None of the pitching lines are worth posting.

Yankees MILB 7/26: 3 Hits for George Lombard Jr.

Notes:

In case you missed it, here is my article on the Ryan McMahon transaction.

As stated yesterday, Hudson Valley has lost a lot of pitching lately. Today, RHP Gage Ziehl was moved up from Tampa. He made his debut during the game. Earlier in the season, he made an emergency start for Somerset. Ziehl was their 4th-round pick in the 2024 draft out of Miami.

OF Spencer Jones was missing from the lineup again tonight (back spasms). OF Everson Pereira, who I think is a candidate to replace Aaron Judge for as long as he is on the injured list, was in the Scranton lineup, as was veteran outfielder Bryan De La Cruz.  Duke Ellis, who swatted four hits (including three doubles) last night, was not in the lineup. I don’t think he would be the replacement for Judge, but anything is possible. It is a long trip from Rochester to the Bronx (over five hours), so asking Pereira to play and hop into a car for that journey would be weird. We’ll find out soon enough.

I saw Heyman’s note about the Yankees not dealing Jones unless someone like Paul Skenes (yeah, right) became available. I don’t trust Heyman, and smoke screens exist. However, I think the Yankees will hold onto Jones and add him to the 40-man roster this winter (if he isn’t called up to the MLB).

Injury Log

Scranton (58-39; 20-5 in second half) (Defeated Rochester, 6-2)

DH Jesus Rodriguez: 2-for-5, RBI, SB (15), K
Rodriguez extends his hitting streak to 14 (20-for-59 (.339).
CF Everson Pereira: 0-for-3, R, 2 BB, K
1B T.J. Rumfield: 2-for-5, 2B (27), RBI, R
Rumfield has ten multi-hit efforts this month (30-for-76 (.360) with ten doubles). Since the question was asked, I did a little research: I don’t believe Rumfield is eligible for minor league free agency this winter. He remains eligible for the Rule 5 if he isn’t added to the 40-man roster.  
C Rafael Flores: 0-for-3, 2 BB
Flores had a 9.0% Double-A walk rate. So far for Scranton, he has nine walks in 36 plate appearances (25%). Small sample size noise? Likely.
3B Jeimer Candelario: 1-for-4, R, BB, K
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 1-for-5, RBI, 2 K
LF Jose Rojas: 1-for-4, 2B (25), RBI, R, SB (4), 2 K
2B Nicky Lopez: 2-for-4, RBI, R
Lopez is hitting .273 (15-for-55) since signing.
SS Andrew Velazquez: 2-for-4, 2B (14), RBI, R, K

RHP Carlos Carrasco: (W, 4-2) 7 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 6 K, HR
Carrasco’s third straight 7-inning effort.
RHP Eric Reyzelman: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
3.92 ERA (39 IP, 25 H, 17 R, 17 ER, 5 HR, 39 BB, 41 K). Reyzelman won’t survive with that walk rate, but lowering his ERA under 4.00 shows his talent. 
RHP Kervin Castro: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K

Somerset (51-44; 16-10 in second half) (Defeated Erie, 9-6)

CF Brendan Jones: 1-for-3, 3B (3), 3 R, 2 BB
After hitting .236/.349/.362 in 44 High-A games, he is at .232/.325/.430 in 40 Double-A games. He has turned it up in July (18-for-67; 3 doubles, 1 triple, 4 HR, 13 RBI, 14 R, 8-for-8 SB, 13 BB, 18 K).
SS George Lombard Jr.: 3-for-5, 2B (12), RBI, 2 R
Lombard Jr.’s first 3-hit game as a member of the Patriots. A solid stretch of games has improved his Double-A triple slash from .202/.335/.303 on July 5th to .215/.332/.342 now. It may not seem like much, but it is a 36-point jump in his OPS.
2B Roc Riggio: 3-for-5, HR (11), 2 RBI, R
Double-A is not slowing down Riggio, who has homered in back-to-back games (after doubling in back-to-back games). To be exact, he’s hitting better here than he did at any other level.  He is at .273/.346/.573 in 159 PA (11 doubles, 11 HR, 28 RBI, 25 R, 7-for-10 SB, 7.5% BB, 22.6% K).  
1B Dylan Jasso: 3-for-5, 3 RBI, R
Jasso owns a 5-game hitting streak (9-for-23). He is at .270/.338/.448 in 367 PA (13 doubles, 5 triples, 12 HR, 50 RBI, 51 R). He has 14 games at first base, 18 games at second base, and 49 games at third base. As you may guess, his time at second base has gone down since Riggio’s promotion.
   PR Cam Eden: 0-for-0, R
   1B Duncan Pastore: 0-for-0
RF Jace Avina: 1-for-5, RBI, K
Since promotion: .250/.386/.472 in 44 PA.  After going 0-for-6 in his first two games (though he reached base in both games), he is now on an 8-game hitting streak.
C Omar Martinez: 0-for-5, 2 K
DH Tyler Hardman: 1-for-5, 3B (2), R, K
LF Jared Wegner: 1-for-3, SF, 2 RBI, K
3B Max Burt: 0-for-4

RHP Trent Sellers: 5.1 IP, 11 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, HR
A rare misstep for Sellers, who is typically solid in his relatively short outings (he has yet to complete six innings professionally). Season: 4.16 ERA (75.2 IP, 66 H, 38 R, 35 ER,8 HR, 37 BB, 87 K)
RHP Cole Ayers: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Mason Vinyard (W, 3-2): 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Hudson Valley (56-36; 19-10 second half) (Took down Rome, 5-1)

LF Jackson Castillo: 2-for-3, 2B (15), HR (5), 2 RBI, R, SB (19), BB, K
Castillo is hitting .247/.345/.348 in 368 PA (15 doubles, 1 triple, 5 HR, 43 RBI, 43 R, 19-for-20 SB, 12.2% BB, 20.1% K). He is 22-for-69 (.319) with 11 walks over his last 20 games.
CF Dillon Lewis: 1-for-4, SB (7), 2 K
Like Castillo, Lewis has turned it up in July (17-for-57 (.298); 2 doubles, 3 HR, 9 RBI, 7 R, 5-for-5 SB, 7 BB, 11 K). Between Tampa and Hudson Valley, he has 16 home runs and 20 stolen bases in 21 attempts.
DH Coby Morales: 0-for-3, RBI, BB, K
SS Alexander Vargas: 0-for-4, K
2B Jose Colmenares: 1-for-3, 2B (16), BB, 2 K
Colmenares has two doubles and two homers in his last four games.
3B Josh Moylan: 1-for-4, SB (7), K
C Manuel Palencia: 1-for-4, R
1B Kiko Romero: 1-for-3, HR (2), 2 RBI, R, BB, K
RF Anthony Hall: 0-for-1, 2 R, SB (6), 3 BB

RHP Ben Hess: 4.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K
Hess tossed 71 pitches tonight. He owns a 3.65 ERA in 61.2 IP (40 H, 29 R, 25 ER, 2 HR, 32 BB, 89 K). Last four appearances: 16 IP, 9 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, 4 BB, 23 K.
RHP Bryce Warrecker: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Warrecker was used as a bridge tonight.
RHP Gage Ziehl (W, 1-0): 4 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
Ziehl’s High-A debut goes well.

Tampa (45-46; 9-17 in the second half) (Lost to Clearwater, 5-3)

C Edgleen Perez: 1-for-4
Perez had a hot stretch before the All-Star Break but is in a 2-for-31 slide and has zero extra-base hits in 15 July games.  Could it be fatigue? Certainly.
SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-4, RBI, K
DH Engelth Urena: 0-for-2, R, 2 BB
.205/.334/.326 in 371 PA. Urena is having a rough July (10-for-53; 2 doubles, 1 HR, 5 RBI, 8 BB, 17 K)
3B Juan Matheus: 0-for-3, R, HBP
CF Willy Montero: 2-for-4
Montero is 14-for-46 (.304) since coming back from his rehab stint. 
RF Wilson Rodriguez: 0-for-2, SF, RBI, HBP
Since promotion: .227/.294/.341 in 13 games (2 doubles, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 4 BB, 7 K)
LF Marshall Toole: 0-for-4, K
A little 0-for-11 slump has dropped his triple slash to .300/.409/.479. 
2B Owen Cobb: 1-for-3
1B Josue Gonzalez: 1-for-3, 2B (7), R, K

LHP Allen Facundo: (L, 0-1) 4 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
Since people love to hear about his velocity, he hit 97.8 MPH today. He throws both a hard 4-seamer and sinker, though his most-used pitch is his slider. The 6’0″ lefty has the raw talent. It’s all about putting it together. Season (including FCL time): 16.1 IP, 9 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 7 BB, 25 K.
RHP Cole Zaffiro: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 1 K
RHP Mariano Salomon: 3.1 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, HR

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (16-23) (Defeated the DSL Bombers, 6-5)

CF Francisco Vilorio: 3-for-5, 2B (6), RBI, R, SB (6), CS (3), K
There is zero doubt Vilorio is coming stateside in 2026. He is on a 6-game hitting streak (10-for-25).
DH Mani Cedeno: 0-for-3, SB (12), 2 BB, 3 K
I don’t want to get too deep with a 16-year-old, but yeah – the strikeout rate isn’t ideal (36.4%).
3B Richard Matic: 2-for-3, 3B (2), R, BB
Matic should join Vilorio stateside in 2026. He is hitting .358/.493/.575 in 140 PA (10 doubles, 2 triples, 3 HR, 25 RBI, 29 R, 5-for-10 SB, 20% BB, 22.9% K)
C Justin Capellan: 0-for-4, RBI, K
RF Estivenzon Montero: 2-for-4, RBI, R, SB (7)
.296/.384/.537 in 125 PA. Last season, he wasn’t overwhelmed at this level (.242/.361/.364 as a 17-year-old). Another prospect to watch for the FCL next season.
1B Edgar Jimenez: 1-for-3, R, SB (4), BB
LF Angel Ventura: 2-for-3, 2B (4), 2 R, SB (13), BB, K
In 59 career games, Ventura is 31-for-36 in the stolen base department.
2B Adrian Feliz: 1-for-3, RBI, SB (4), CS (3), BB, K

RHP Anthony Mena:  5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 7 K
4.15 ERA (34.2 IP, 36 H, 29 R, 16 ER, 5 HR, 14 BB, 42 K). He has 22 strikeouts in 14 innings over his last three starts.
RHP Varis Villarreal (W, 3-2): 2.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 4 K

DSL Bombers (21-18) (Lost to the DSL Yankees, 6-5)

SS Stiven Marinez: 0-for-4, 2 K
CF Ruben Castillo: 1-for-3, 2 R, SB (16), 2 CS (6), BB, K
LF Jose Castro: 1-for-4, R, SB (11), 2 K
C Carlos Villarroel: 0-for-3, RBI, R, BB, K
.237/.370/.454 in 119 PA. Last season, in his professional debut, he hit .299/.390/.410.
2B Juan Torres: 1-for-4, 2 RBI, R, SB (11)
The strong offense continues. He is hitting .340/.398/.510 and has 25 RBI and 24 runs in 32 games.

RHP Luis Burgos: 3.2 IP, 8 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 7 K
2.48 ERA (36.1 IP, 25 H, 15 R, 10 ER, 2 HR, 14 BB, 38 K)
RHP Diego Carrillo: 3.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
3.75 ERA (24 IP, 21 H, 12 R, 10 ER, 3 HR, 10 BB, 20 K)

Yankees MILB 7/19: Spencer Jones, George Lombard Jr. Homer

Notes:

C/1B Rafael Flores has finally been promoted to Scranton. Given Jesus Rodriguez‘s ability to play third base, there will be plenty of playing time for both.

After playing in 162 games for High-A Hudson Valley, Flores played in 152 for Somerset. He hit .281/.351/.505 with 37 doubles, a triple, 30 home runs, 89 RBI, 88 runs, 12 stolen bases (12 attempts), 25.97% K, and 9.0% BB. After posting a 153 wRC+ in Double-A in 2024, he compiled a 147 wRC+ in 2025.

Other promotions today include RHP Bailey Dees going to Scranton, C Tomas Frick going to Somerset, and C/1B John Cristino going from the FCL to Hudson Valley. Cristino has little professional experience (32 games) but is 25 years old.

RHP Yerry De los Santos, who pitched fairly well for the Yankees earlier this season, has started a rehab stint in Somerset.

Injury Log

Scranton (54-37; 16-3 in second half) (Outslugged Worcester, 10-8. They’ve scored 21 runs in two games since the break)

RF Everson Pereira: 1-for-5, HR (17), RBI, 2 R, K
Pereira leads off the game with a 357-foot home run.  He has homered in back-to-back games and has five in his last nine games. His triple slash sits at .260/.360/.519 in 275 plate appearances. I mentioned last night that he had 82 homers in 392 games. I should have added that he hit four home runs in his first 59 career games.
CF Spencer Jones: 4-for-5, 2B (4), HR (8), 3 RBI, R, BB
Not to be outdone, Jones followed up Pereira’s home run with a 433-foot, 107.4 MPH bomb to center. For Scranton, he is hitting .397/.459/.841 in 74 PA (4 doubles, 8 HR, 18 RBI, 19 R, 6-for-6 SB, 12.2% BB, 27.0% K). Overall, he is hitting .307/.408/.660 in 282 PA (12 doubles, 24 HR, 50 RBI, 61 R, 16-for-18 SB, 14.5% BB, 31.9% K). Amongst all minor leaguers who have played in full-season leagues all season, his 1.068 OPS is tied for first with Mike Sirota (LAD). Incredible.
C Rafael Flores: 1-for-6, 2 K
Flores finally makes his Triple-A debut.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 2-for-3, 2B (23), RBI, R, 3 BB, K
.306/.388/.498 in 353 PA with 11 homers and an organization-leading 64 RBI. Rumfield is on a 7-game hitting streak that features five multi-hit efforts and has seven multi-hit games over his last ten contests.
3B Jeimer Candelario: 1-for-6, R, K
2B Jose Rojas: 4-for-5, 3B (3), 3 HR (17), 5 RBI, 3 R
Prospect or not (he’s 32!), this is a tremendous game. It’s his second 3-HR game this season (May 1st). He has 63 RBI, one behind organizational leader T.J. Rumfield.
SS Nicky Lopez: 1-for-4, 2B (2), BB, 2 K
Lopez is 13-for-36 (.361) since joining the organization.
LF Duke Ellis: 1-for-3, 2B (3), 2 R, SB (13), BB, K

RHP Erick Leal: 5 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 2 K, HR
LHP Jayvien Sandridge: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
LHP Brent Headrick: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
Headrick was activated off the injured list today.
RHP Clayton Beeter (W, 1-0): 1 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
Can we put quotation marks around that “win”?
RHP Kervin Castro (S, 2): 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K
1.80 ERA (25 IP, 11 H, 8 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 12 BB, 32 K)

Somerset (48-41; 13-7 in second half) (Lost to Hartford, 6-5, in ten innings. The minors are about development. It’s going to be tough for Somerset to replace Spencer Jones and Rafael Flores, but others will need to pick up the slack.)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 2-for-5, 2B (10), HR (3), RBI, R
Coming out of the break, Lombard Jr. has a pair of doubles and a homer. He is hitting .208/.329/.325 in 255 plate appearances since his promotion.
2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-3, HR (9), RBI, R, SB (6), CS (3), HBP, BB, 2 K
Since promotion: .276/.359/.578 in 131 PA (8 doubles, 9 HR, 24 RBI, 23 R, 6-for-9 SB, 8.4% BB, 22.1% K). Overall, Riggio has 12 doubles and 16 home runs in 53 games. His stolen base percentage has taken a hit this year (8-for-15 after a 27-for-33 rate last year)
CF Jace Avina: 1-for-4, 2B (1), R, BB, K
3B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-5, 2B (13), RBI, 3 K
.263/.335/.457 in 340 PA (13 doubles, 5 triples, 12 HR, 46 RBI, 48 R, 0-for-2 SB (not everyone is a speedster!), 7.9% BB, 22.4% K).  Jasso is on a 5-game hitting streak.
C Omar Martinez: 0-for-3, 2 BB, K
DH Brendan Jones: 0-for-4, SB (9), K
Jones is 32-for-37 (86.5%) stealing bases between here and Hudson Valley. In his career, he is an impressive 50-for-55 in 102 games.
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-3, R, BB, 3 K
LF Cam Eden: 2-for-4, 3B (1), R, SB (5), CS (2)
RF Jared Wegner: 0-for-3, SF, RBI, K
Wegner’s sacrifice fly tied the game at five in the 9th.

RHP Trent Sellers: 4.2 IP, 8 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 6 K, HR
3.71 ERA (70.1 IP, 55 H, 32 R, 29 ER, 7 HR, 36 BB, 85 K). Sellers has shown the ability to miss bats (185 strikeouts in 154 career innings) and, despite what happened tonight, limits hits (98). The walks are high (76).
RHP Mason Vinyard: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Yerry De los Santos: 1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, HR
De los Santos makes his first rehab appearance. He has a 1.89 ERA (3.58 FIP) in 20 innings for the Yankees this season.
RHP Cole Ayers: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Indigo Diaz: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Danny Watson: (L, 1-3)  1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Hudson Valley (52-35; 14-9 second half) (Lost to Jersey Shore, 4-1)

CF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-3, BB
.245/.343/.339 in 347 PA. 
LF Coby Morales: 1-for-4, 2 K
SS Alexander Vargas: 0-for-4
3B Jose Colmenares: 0-for-3, 2 K
DH Josh Moylan: 2-for-2, 3B (3), R, BB
C Manuel Palencia: 0-for-3, RBI
1B Kiko Romero: 0-for-3, 2 K
2B Brenny Escanio: 2-for-3, CS (6)
RF Anthony Hall: 0-for-3, 2 K

RHP Ben Hess: 4 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
3.95 ERA (57 IP, 38 H, 29 R, 25 ER, 2 HR, 32 BB, 83 K). Hess threw 62 pitches (42 strikes) tonight.
RHP Tony Rossi: (L, 0-1)  1.1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
RHP Bryce Warrecker: 1.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
A rare misstep for Warrecker. His ERA is up to 1.38.
RHP Jordany Ventura: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

Tampa (45-42; 9-13 in second half) (Lost to Dunedin, 12-4)

DH Edgleen Perez: 0-for-4, 2 K
I jinxed Perez before the break, and I will never forgive myself.
SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-4, 2 K
C Engelth Urena: 1-for-4, 2 K
CF Willy Montero: 0-for-4, 2 K
3B Juan Matheus: 1-for-4, 2B (20), R
LF Wilson Rodriguez: 1-for-4, 2B (2), R, K
Rodriguez is 10-for-40 since his promotion. 
RF Tyler Wilson: 1-for-3, HR (5), RBI, R, K
   RF Marshall Toole: 1-for-1
Talk about clutch – Toole gets one shot to extend his hitting streak and does it!  His streak is up to 11, which has increased his triple slash from .287/.388/.443 to .317/.421/.505.
1B Hans Montero: 2-for-4, HR (9), 2 RBI, R, K
Montero has sneakily hit nine balls over the fence in 64 games. It’s a new personal best. 
2B Owen Cobb: 1-for-3, 2B (8)

LHP Xavier Rivas: (L, 2-2)  3 IP, 6 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 2 BB, 3 K, HR
Since promotion: 5.61 ERA (33.2 IP, 30 H, 23 R, 21 ER, 5 HR, 21 BB, 41 K). 
RHP Cole Zaffiro: 2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, HR
RHP Jack Sokol: 2 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, HR
RHP Jackson Fristoe: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 0 K, HR

FCL (26-29) (Won a thriller against the FCL Tigers, 7-6, in ten innings. They scored three runs in the bottom of the 9th to tie it, only for the Tigers to score a pair in the top of the 10th. The Yankees countered with three runs in the bottom half of the inning. Interestingly, they scored seven runs on seven hits without the aid of an extra-base hit. They walked “only” five times. Good things happen when you go 4-for-6 with a sacrifice fly with RISP.)

SS Dexters Peralta: 1-for-5, R, SB (8), K
After a disastrous 6-for-62 start, Peralta is 14-for-66 (.212). That includes going 11-for-38 (.282) in July. At least he will go into the offseason on a good note.
2B Enmanuel Tejeda: 1-for-3, RBI, R, 2 SB (2), CS (1), K
Tejeda is 7-for-23 with three doubles during his rehab stint. In 43 games for Tampa last season, he hit .310/.353/.369 with 24 stolen bases in 28 attempts. He did that as a 19-year-old.
   2B Luis Escudero: 1-for-1, RBI, R
DH Ediel Rivera: 0-for-3, R, SB (10), BB, K
CF Isael Arias: 0-for-3, RBI, R, SB (23), 2 BB, K
C John Cristino: 1-for-3, RBI, BB, K
Cristino was moved to Hudson Valley after this game.
LF Gabriel Lara: 1-for-3, SF, RBI
1B-P Santiago Gomez: 1-for-4, RBI
Gomez is their Shohei Ohtani.
3B Kevin Verde: 0-for-4, R, 2 K
RF Luis Puello: 0-for-3, R, BB

RHP Edinzo Marquez: 4.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 4 K
2.19 ERA (53.1 IP, 42 H, 18 R, 13 ER, 4 HR, 20 BB, 41 K). The 20-year-old continues his impressive campaign.
RHP Josh Tiedemann: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
LHP Pedro Rodriguez: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Chance Nolan: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
The converted quarterback owns a 1.08 ERA in 16.2 IP (12 H, 5 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, 11 BB, 11 K)
RHP Santiago Gomez (W, 3-0): 0.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Gomez is their good luck charm!

DSL Yankees (14-20)

Day off.

DSL Bombers (17-17)

Day off.